Modular toy assembly

ABSTRACT

A modular toy assembly. The modular toy assembly includes sliding play modules defined by a channel extending through each slidable play module. Each channel has at least one flat inner side that permits sliding of each slidable play module and prevents rotation of the slidable play module. A module support shaft extends through each channel to hold the sliding play modules. The module support shaft has a flat outer side having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to that of each channel of the play modules, so that the play modules are restricted from rotating about the axis of the module support shaft. A pair of side mounts support the assembly. The module support shaft detachably couples to the side mounts. The module support shaft can be removed from one end to interchange play modules. A first and second leg may attach the assembly to a surface. A travel adaptor end might include pieces/Velcro/hook and loop pieces that allow the contraption to be attached to other surfaces.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a modular toy assembly andapparatus and more specifically to a modular toy assembly and apparatuswith interchangeable sliding play modules for children.

Many children, particularly toddlers, find it difficult to remain idlefor long periods of time. Even activities such as feeding a child mayfail to fully engage the child for the entirety of the meal duration. Asan example, a child may become impatient halfway through the meal, andonce disengaged, the child will overturn his or her plate and splatterhis or her meal on the table or floor causing a mother or other childcaregiver to spend time and effort cleaning up the mess. Of course, thefood is wasted and cannot be fed to the child. Likewise, a child maybecome impatient while sitting in a shopping cart, car seat or strollerfor too long.

It is within the aforementioned context that a need for the presentdisclosure has arisen. Thus, there is a need to address one or moredisadvantages of conventional systems and methods, and the presentdisclosure meets this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various aspects of a modular toy assembly can be found in exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure.

A modular toy assembly entertains a child through use of interchangeableplay modules where each of the interchangeable play modules may slidealong an axis of a module support shaft while also being restricted fromrotation about the module support shaft. The modular toy assembly canalso fasten (detachably) to a variety of surfaces.

In a first embodiment, a modular toy assembly includes one or more playmodules that are slidable. The sliding play modules are defined by achannel extending through each slidable play module. Each channel has atleast one flat inner side that permits sliding of each sliding playmodule but that prevents rotation of the slidable play module.

The modular toy assembly further includes a module support shaft thatextends through each channel of the sliding play modules. The modulesupport shaft may hold one or more of the sliding play modules. Themodule support shaft has at least one flat outer side extending from aproximal end to a distal end. The module support shaft also has across-sectional shape corresponding to that of each channel of theslidable play module.

In this manner, each channel and the module support shaft are mated asthe module support shaft is passed through each channel of the slidableplay module. Further, the slidable play module slides on the modulesupport shaft but is restricted from rotation around an axis of themodule support shaft. The module support shaft also includes a proximalend and a distal end with each end having at least one flange.

In one version of the modular toy assembly, a pair of side mounts isfeatured. In another equally important version of the modular toyassembly, a new travel adaptor/Velcro attachment function is featured.The pair of side mounts includes a first side mount and a second sidemount that are spaced apart from each other. The first side mount andthe proximal end of the module support shaft are detachably coupled. Thesecond side mount and the distal end of the module support shaft aredetachably coupled. In this manner, the plurality of sliding playmodules is retained on the module support shaft thereon.

The pair of side mounts further comprises a plurality of shaft holesextending along the length of the pair of side mounts. The shaft holesare shaped to enable mating with at least one flange that defines theproximal end and the distal end of the module support shaft. Further,the side mounts comprise a mount end disposed proximally to a mountingsurface, and a free end disposed distally from the surface.

The modular toy assembly further includes a leg for attaching theassembly to a surface. A second leg may also be used to furtherstabilize the modular toy assembly on the surface. The leg and secondleg may include a clamp or clamps for adjustable and detachableattachment to the surface. A hook and loop fastener may also be used forattaching the modular toy assembly to the surface.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentdisclosure herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portionsof the specification and the attached drawings. Further features andadvantages of the present disclosure, as well as the structure andoperation of various embodiments of the present disclosure, aredescribed in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. Inthe drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical orfunctionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a modular toy assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a brief operation of the sliding play modules andthe modular toy assembly 100 of FIG. 1 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of a slidableplay module according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of a second embodiment of a slidableplay module according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the play module illustrated in FIG.2B according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of module support shafts accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of side mounts and apair of module support shafts according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates an alternative module support shaft according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative module support shaft according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates leg clamps on a mounting surface according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate modular toy assembly according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of thedisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, thedisclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of the present disclosure, numerousspecific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present disclosure. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinaryskill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced withoutthese specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detailas to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates modular toy assembly 100 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 1A, in one embodiment, users might employ modular toy assembly100 for entertaining, educating and engaging children for long durationsof time. Preferably, modular toy assembly 100 is molded from a polymericmaterial although other comparable materials including metals, resins,wood, etc. that are consistent with the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure may be utilized.

As shown, modular toy assembly 100 includes one or more of sliding playmodule 102A, sliding play module 102B, sliding play module 102C andsliding play module 102D, each providing a tactile, visual, and/oraudible media that can facilitate interactive engagement with childrenof all ages.

Here, although four sliding play modules 102A, 102B, 102C and 102D areshown, one skilled in the art will realize that fewer or more playmodules may be utilized consistent with the spirit and scope of thepresent specification. A variety of sliding play modules could bedeveloped, each designated to engage children at different stages ofdevelopment. Operation of the sliding play modules and modular toyassembly 100 is briefly described with reference to FIG. 1B below.

FIG. 1B illustrates a brief operation of sliding play modules 102A,102B, 102C, 102D and modular toy assembly 100 of FIG. 1 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 1B, in operation, sliding play modules 102A, 102B, 102C and 102Dare slid over module support shafts 104A and 104B (of FIG. 3) as shownby the arrows. A first side mount 108A and a second side mount 108B thenengage the ends of module support shafts 104A and 104B. In this manner,sliding play modules 102A, 102B, 102C and 102D are locked into place andcan freely slide on module support shafts 104A, 104B without fallingoff.

A first clamp 112A is then used to attach the first side mount 108A to atable (or other similar type surfaces). A second clamp 112B is also usedto attach the second side mount 108B to the table. A user such as achild can then employ modular toy assembly 100 for entertainment,engagement, education, etc. consistent with the principles of thepresent disclosure. A further description of the sliding play moduleswill now be provided with reference to FIG. 2A, 2B and 2C below.

FIG. 2A illustrates sliding play module 102A of modular toy assembly100. FIG. 2B also illustrates another sliding play module 102B accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It is noted thatthe descriptions herein for sliding play modules 102A and 102B are alsoapplicable to sliding play modules also applicable to sliding playmodules 102C and 102D, as well as any other sliding play modulesdeveloped for use.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B, each sliding play module 102A and 102B includes twoportions that are detachably coupled to each other. Specifically, aprimary portion 202 that is generally block-shaped is detachably engagedto a secondary portion 204. By “detachably engaged,” it is meant thatthe portions 202 and 204 are not permanently attached and one portioncan easily be removed and reattached to its corresponding portion.

As shown, primary portion 202 is the main component that remains stableon a shaft and cannot be rotated on its axis. Primary portion 202 mightinclude visually engaging shapes or designs such squares, circles,triangles, hexagons, etc. Each of the designs may be brightly coloredprimary or secondary colors including red, yellow, green, blue and othersuch attractive colors. The dimensions of each sliding play module 102A,102B may vary depending upon the size of the desired modular toyassembly 100.

Secondary portion 204 attaches to and hangs below primary portion 202 toprovide additional tactile and visual engagement. It might includespring-like element 206 that can promote dangling. Variousshapes/designs 208 may also be attached to said spring-like element 206.For example, shapes/designs 208 might be triangular, circular,key-shaped, star-shaped, etc.

Although not shown, sliding play modules 102A and 102B may include,without limitation, elements such as beads, knobs, letters and numbers,springs, figurines, etc., so long as such elements are modular andinterchangeable. As will be discussed with reference to FIG. 2C, slidingplay modules 102A and 102B include a central channel that facilitatessliding of the play modules.

FIG. 2C shows a lateral/side plan view of primary portion 202 of slidingplay module 102A (or 102B) according to one embodiment of thisspecification.

In FIG. 2C, primary portion 202 includes a channel 122 extending througheach sliding play module 102A, 102B (and 102C and 102D). It is thischannel 122 that engages module support shafts 104A, 104B when slidingplay modules 102A, 102B, 102C and 102D are slid on module support shaftsin FIG. 1B.

Channel 122 is hexagonal-shaped and is sized and dimensioned to receivea corresponding hexagonal-shaped module support shaft 104A (of FIGS. 1and 3). In some embodiments, the shape of channel 122 may be, withoutlimitation, triangular, semicircular, square, rectangular or othershapes consistent with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Each channel 122 has at least one flat inner side 210 that permitssliding of each sliding play module 102A/102B but prevents rotation ofthe sliding play module on its axis. Specifically, as implied by itsname, flat inner side 210 is flat and prevents rotation of primaryportion 202 in the CW (clockwise) direction and also prevents rotationin the CCW (counter clockwise) direction. However, primary portion 202is free to slide to and fro on module support shaft 104A—which isfurther illustrated in FIG. 3 below.

FIG. 3 illustrates module support shafts 104A and 104B according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 3, module support shaft 104A is shown as being generallyelongated, extending from a proximal male end 106A to a distal male end106B. Similarly, module support shaft 104B is generally elongated,extending from a proximal to distal end. Hereinafter, all furtherreferences to module support shaft 104A are also applicable to modulesupport shaft 104B.

Module support shaft 104A is sized and dimensioned for insertion througheach channel 122 of the sliding play modules 102A, 102B, 102C and 102D,holding the sliding play modules 102A, 102B, 102C and 102D in positionfor viewing and manipulation. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat inhibiting CW or CCW rotation of sliding play modules 102A, 102B,102C and 102D will maintain the sliding play modules in a non-rotationalposition so that various components thereon may be manipulated easily.

Module support shaft 104A has one or more flat outer surfaces 118. It isthis flat outer surface 118 that engages the flat inner side 210 (seeFIG. 2C) to prevent either clockwise or counter clockwise rotation ofprimary portion 202 (see FIG. 2C). Module support shaft 104A also has across-sectional shape corresponding to that of each channel 122 of thesliding play module 102A. The shape of the outer surface of modulesupport shaft 104A may include, without limitation, a triangular shape,a semicircular shape, a hexagonal shape, a square shape, a rectangularshape, etc.

Thus, by having substantially the same shape, the channel 122 and themodule support shaft 104A are mated as module support shaft 104A ispassed through each channel 122 of sliding play module 102A, 102B, 102Cand 102D. This mating arrangement enables the sliding play module toeasily slide along an axis 120 of the module support shaft 104A.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second module support shaft 104B can beused for additional sliding play modules 102C (see FIG. 1A) and 102D.Second module support shaft 104B may be disposed in a stacked, parallelarrangement with module support shaft 104A described above. Thisscalability increases the capacity of modular toy assembly 100 tosupport additional sliding play modules. In other embodiments, three ormore module support shafts may be attached to respective side mounts108A, 108B to add additional sliding play modules.

In FIG. 3, proximal male end 106A and distal male end 106B of modulesupport shafts 104A and 104B have one or more tabs 114A/114B. Adifferent system of promoting the same outcome may be employed. Tabs114A/114B are elongated and separated by slots that extend from theperimeter of the proximal and distal male ends 106 a and 106 b. Asdescribed below, tabs 114A and 114B permit mating and detachment betweenmodule support shafts 104A and 104B on the one hand and the first andsecond side mounts 108A and 108B (described with reference to FIG. 4below), and thus provide interchangeability of the sliding play modules.

FIG. 4 illustrates first and second side mounts 108A and 108B accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 4, modular toy assembly 100 includes a pair of oppositelydisposed side mounts for holding module support shafts 104A and 104B ofFIG. 3. Here, the side mounts are a first side mount 108A and a secondside mount 108B that are open-faced and are spaced out and oppositelydisposed from each other. A different system of promoting the sameoutcome may be employed (e.g., a design to provide multiplelevels/positions for support shafts).

The spacing between each of first and second side mounts 108A and 108Bis dependent upon the length of the module support shafts 104A and 104B.The longer the module support shafts, the wider the spacing between thefirst and the second side mounts 104A and 104B. The open-faceconfiguration of the side mounts facilitates recognition of side mountsthat pair up with each other and also facilitates quick mounting of themodule support shafts 104A and 104B.

In FIG. 4, first and second side mounts 108A and 108B are generally ofequal height and dimension, serving to balance each other for support ofthe modular toy assembly 100. The height and dimensions may also varydepending upon the particular application. For example, the height ofthe side mounts for floor mounted embodiments is generally higher thanthat for table mounted embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 4 and as previously noted, first and second side mounts108A and 108B are open-faced; the mounts also display a plurality offemale shaft flanges 116A extending along the length of the pair of sidemounts 108A and 108B. It is this plurality of female shaft flanges 116Aand 116B that mate with corresponding proximal male end 106A and distalmale end 106B of FIG. 3.

Specifically, female shaft flange 116A and proximal male end 106A (FIG.3) are mated and are secured therein by tab 114A while female shaftflange 116B and distal male end 106B are mated and secured therein viatab 114B. As a result, first side mount 108A and second side mount 108Bare able to support and hold up module support shaft 104A in an uprightand stable position as shown in FIG. 1A.

Female shaft flanges 116A and 116B can be any shape corresponding to theoppositely disposed male end of proximal male end 106A or distal maleend 106B. For example, a female shaft flange may be defined by agenerally hexagonal shape that matches a similar hexagonal proximal maleend 106A of module support shaft 104A. Proximal and distal male ends106A and 106B, which are hexagonal, are in alignment with thehexagonally shaped female shaft flanges although other shapes besides ahexagonal shape may be used.

In this manner, the first side mount 108A and the proximal male end 106Aof the module support shaft 104A are coupled to each to each other.Similarly, second side mount 108B and the distal male end 106B are alsocoupled to each to each other. The components may also be uncoupled byunlocking tab 114A or tab 114B to release the module support shaft fromthe first and second side mounts. Note that because of the multiplefemale shaft flanges 116A and 116B, the elevation of module supportshaft 104A may be raised or lowered as desired by a user.

Moreover, a female travel adapter (not shown) may also be coupled withthe proximal and distal male ends of the modular support shafts. In oneembodiment, the travel adapter is a hexagonal shaped female receptaclehaving a closed end and an open end that receives the correspondinghexagonal shaped proximal male end of a modular support shaft which hasat least one sliding play module. The distal male end of the modularsupport shaft may also be inserted in a corresponding hexagonal femalereceptacle. The closed end might have a strap holder to which a carryingstrap is attached to be used in various play environments, including butnot limited to, a stroller, shopping cart, high chair, crib, car seat,jumper and airplane.

FIG. 5A illustrates an alternative module support shaft 500 according toan exemplary embodiment.

In FIG. 5A, module support shaft 500 has a triangular cross-sectionalarea 504 unlike the module support shaft 104A (or 104B) of FIG. 3 thathas a hexagonal cross-sectional area. This triangular cross-sectionalarea of module support shaft 500 is insertable into a correspondingtriangular-shaped channel 522 of sliding play module 502.Triangular-shaped channel 522 has at least one flat inner side 506 thatmates with flat side 505 of module support shaft 500 to permit slidingbut prevent rotation of each sliding play module 502 around its axis.

FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative module support shaft 508 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 5B, module support shaft 508 has a semicircular cross-sectionalarea 512. This semicircular cross-sectional area is insertable into acorresponding semicircular shaped channel 514 of sliding play module510. Semicircular shaped channel 514 has at least one flat inner side516 that mates with flat side 511 of module support shaft 508 to permitsliding but prevent rotation of each sliding play module 510 around itsaxis.

FIG. 6 illustrates first and second clamps 112A and 112B respectivelyaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 6, modular toy assembly 100 (of FIG. 1A) includes first clamp112A for attaching modular toy assembly 100 onto a surface 120. A secondclamp 112B may also be used to further stabilize the modular toyassembly on the surface 120. In some embodiments, surface 120 mayinclude, without limitation, a high chair, a dining table, a crib, achild car seat, etc. Other surface types may include walls or flooring,etc., for which a hook and loop attachment is employed.

Therefore, first clamp 112A and second clamp 112B enable the user toattach modular toy assembly 100 to the surface from various angles andorientations while resisting removal or dislodgment by children. Inother embodiments, different fastening mechanisms may be employed toattach first clamp 112A and second clamp 112B including Velcro™ or otherhook and loop mechanisms, suction cups, bolts, rings, vices, andfriction fit mechanisms and the like.

In FIG. 6, in one exemplary embodiment, first clamp 112A and secondclamp 112B employ clamping screws 126A and 126B that can be turnedclockwise or counterclockwise to selectively engage onto or disengagefrom surface 120. The size of the clamp openings can vary depending uponthe thickness of surface 120; however, each clamp includes a quickrelease feature that enables quick sliding up and down of clampingscrews 126A and 126B.

In one embodiment, clamping screws 126A and 126B selectively engage baseblocks 132 that are placed on surface 120. Base blocks 132 includesliding tracks 136 and multiple flange receptacles 134 that receive thebottom ends 117 (FIG. 6) of first and second side mounts 108A and 108B.Sliding tracks 136 are configured to receive the upper clamping surfaceof first and second clamps 112A and 112B. Once inserted into slidingtracks 136, the upper clamping surface can easily slide in and out ofbase blocks 132 as desired to either remove or attach first and secondclamp 112A and 112B to surface 120.

When modular toy assembly 100 is in use, the distance between the userand the assembly may be adjusted depending upon the flange receptacles134 in which bottom ends 117 (FIG. 4) are inserted. For example, if auser desires additional distance between the user and modular toyassembly 100, bottom ends 117 are inserted in the flange receptacles 134that are furthest away from the user. In an alternate embodiment, thebottom ends 117 may be directly attached to the top of clamping screws126A and 126B without flange receptacle 134. In yet another embodiment,first and second clamps 112A and 112B are not employed. Rather, a hookand loop fastener may be used for attaching the modular toy assembly 100to the surface 120.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate modular toy assembly 700 according to anexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 7, modular toy assembly 700 has a single modular support shaft704 unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1A that includes a plurality ofmodular support shafts for holding sliding play modules. Here, thissingle modular support shaft 704 holds two sliding play modules 702A and702B that are slidable but not rotatable on modular support shaft 704.Sliding play modules 702A and 702B are further retained in place onmodular support shaft 704 by two detachably coupled side arms 706A and706B.

Here, side arm 706A is detachably coupled to end 708A while side arm706B is detachably coupled to end 708B. Side arm 706A is similarlydetachably coupled to end 710A of bottom shaft 712 while side arm 706Bis detachably coupled to end 710B. In this manner, side arm 706A andside arm 706B can be detached from modular support shaft 704 and bottomshaft 712 in order to insert sliding play modules 702A and 702B afterwhich the side arms are reattached to modular support shaft 704 and theends of bottom shaft 712.

Further, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1A that has two side mounts,modular toy assembly 700 includes a single leg 708 having an upper end718 that is fixedly coupled to bottom shaft 712, said single leg 708having a lower end 719 that is coupled to a base 722. Therefore, one ofordinary skill in the art will be cognizant that a single leg ratherthan multiple side mounts may be used for modular toy assembly.

In FIG. 7, base 722 is itself attached to surface 720 by using a hookand loop fastener 721. The resilient characteristics of the hook andloop fastener 721 may provide greater mounting options for the modulartoy assembly. In alternative embodiments, fastening members such ascables, magnets, and screws may be used to attach modular toy assembly100 to surface 120.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, modular toy assembly 100 is especiallyeffective in entertaining a child through use of multiple,interchangeable and sliding play modules 102A, 102B, 102C and 102D.Sliding play modules 102A, 102B, 102C and 102D slide along modulesupport shafts 104A/104B while also being restricted from rotation aboutthe axis of the module support shafts. Sliding play modules 102A, 102B,102C and 102D are interchangeable through detachment of proximal maleend 106A or distal male end 106B from a similarly shaped and dimensionedfemale shaft flange 116A or 116B. Modular toy assembly 100 alsodetachably fastens to a variety of surfaces 120.

Sliding play module 102A may be interchanged in a series of simple stepscomprising: detaching the proximal male end 106A from first side mount108A. Specifically, proximal male end 106A is first detached from femaleshaft flange 116A of first side mount 108A. Next, sliding play module102A is slid out over the free proximal end 106A to remove sliding playmodule 102A. Thereafter, another sliding play module 102B is slid on thefree proximal end 106A after which proximal male end 106A and femaleshaft flange 116A of first side mount 108A are reengaged to lock slidingplay module 102B in place.

While the above is a complete description of exemplary specificembodiments of the disclosure, additional embodiments are also possible.Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope ofthe disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims along with theirfull scope of equivalents.

I claim:
 1. A modular toy assembly comprising: a plurality of slidableplay modules defined by a channel extending through each slidable playmodule, each channel having at least one flat inner side that permitssliding of each slidable play module and prevents rotation of theslidable play module; a module support shaft that extends through eachchannel to hold the plurality of slidable play modules, the modulesupport shaft having at least one flat outer side extending from aproximal end to a distal end and having a cross-sectional shapecorresponding to that of each channel of the plurality of the slidableplay modules wherein each channel and the module support shaft are matedas the module support shaft is passed through each channel of theslidable play module wherein the slidable play module slides on themodule support shaft but is restricted from rotation around an axis ofthe module support shaft; the module support shaft also includes aproximal end and a distal end; a pair of side mounts including a firstside mount and a second side mount that are spaced apart from each otherwherein the first side mount and the proximal end of the module supportshaft are detachably coupled and wherein the second side mount and thedistal end of the module support shaft are detachably coupled to retainthe plurality of slidable play modules on the module support shafttherein; and a support that attaches the assembly to a surface.
 2. Themodular toy assembly of claim 1 wherein the support is a clamp or a hookand loop fastener.
 3. The modular toy assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a base block placed on the surface, the base block having aplurality of receptacles that are adjacent to each other along a path toreceive the pair of side mounts wherein a distance between a user andthe modular toy assembly may be reduced or increased based by switchingthe receptacles in which the side mounts are inserted.
 4. The modulartoy assembly of claim 1 wherein the pair of side mounts comprise aplurality of shaft holes extending along the length of the pair of sidemounts, the pair of side mounts disposed in a spaced-apart relationship.5. The modular toy assembly of claim 4 wherein the plurality of shaftholes are configured to mate with the at least one proximal end anddistal end of the module support shaft.
 6. The modular toy assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a second module support shaft that isdetachably coupled to the pair of side mounts.
 7. The modular toyassembly of claim 1, further comprising a second support that attachesthe assembly to a surface.
 8. The modular toy assembly of claim 3wherein the base block further comprises a track for receiving an upperportion of the clamp.
 9. An apparatus comprising: a pair of side mountscomprising a mount end, a free end, and a plurality of shaft holesextending along the length of the pair of side mounts, the pair of sidemounts disposed in a spaced-apart relationship; at least one support forattaching the apparatus to a surface; at least one module support shafthaving at least one flat outer side, the at least one module supportshaft extending between the pair of side mounts, the at least one modulesupport shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end wherein theproximal end and the distal end are detachably attached to shaft holesalong the length of the pair of side mounts; and a plurality of slidableplay modules, each including a channel, the channel having at least oneflat inner side, the channel and the at least one flat inner sideconfigured to mate with the at least one flat outer side of the modulesupport shaft and enable longitudinal sliding of the of the at least oneflat outer side, the channel and the at least one flat inner sideconfigured to restrict rotation of the plurality of outer surfaces ofthe at least one module support shaft, wherein the plurality of slidableplay modules are inhibited from rotating about the at least one modulesupport shaft, wherein detachment of the proximal end or the distal endof the at least one module support shaft enables interchanging of theplurality of slidable play modules.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 whereinthe plurality of shaft holes are shaped to enable mating with a proximalend and a distal end of the module support shaft.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein the at least one leg comprises a clamp.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one leg is a hook and loopfastener for attaching the apparatus to the surface.
 13. The apparatusof claim 9, further comprising a base block placed on the surface, thebase block having a plurality of receptacles that are adjacent to eachother along a path to receive the pair of side mounts wherein a distancebetween a user and the apparatus may be reduced or increased byswitching the receptacles in which the side mounts are inserted.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 9, further comprising a second module support shaftthat is detachably coupled to the pair of side mounts.
 15. The apparatusof claim 9, further comprising a second support that attaches theapparatus to a surface.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the baseblock further comprises a track for receiving an upper portion of theclamp.